Lamine Yamal Inspires Barcelona Comeback Against Real Sociedad

Barcelona claimed a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday, moving top of La Liga by one point after Real Madrid’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico.

Real Sociedad took the lead in the first half through Álvaro Odriozola, finishing a sharp counter-attack after a cross from Ander Barrenetxea. Barcelona responded before halftime with a Jules Kounde header from a corner, keeping them level going into the break.

The match was defined by the return of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who had missed the last four games with a groin injury. Coming on as a substitute in the second half, Yamal immediately created the winner for Robert Lewandowski, delivering a precise cross that Lewandowski headed in off the post just minutes after entering the field.

Manager Hansi Flick praised Yamal’s impact, saying he “showed outstanding strength to create chances and provide the final pass.” Barcelona also featured debutant Dro Fernandez and winger Roony Bardghji, while veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny started due to an injury to Joan Garcia.

The game remained intense, with both sides hitting the crossbar late and goalkeepers Alex Remiro and Szczesny making several key saves. Kounde admitted the closing stages were “difficult” for Barcelona, though the first 70 minutes were solid.

Barcelona now turn their focus to the Champions League clash against PSG on Wednesday, still playing at the Olympic stadium due to ongoing Camp Nou renovations. Real Sociedad, despite the loss, can take heart from their performance and improved form, currently sitting 17th in the La Liga table.